Kazakhstan is clearly demonstrating its commitment to broad-based multilateral cooperation in strict accordance with the UN Charter. This was announced by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in his September 2024 Address to the Nation. The Head of State noted that the country plays an active role in addressing issues of international security and stability.

In 2024, Kazakhstan chaired a number of prestigious international organizations and platforms, which contributed to addressing pressing issues on the regional and global agenda. The successful chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the Turkic States Organization (TSO), the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia, and the International Aral Sea Saving Fund (IASF) was an important step in strengthening Kazakhstan's international influence and expanded diplomatic opportunities. During Kazakhstan's chairmanship of the SCO, more than 160 events were held covering a wide range of topics, including economic cooperation, security, environmental initiatives, and digital transformation. The treaty framework was supplemented with 60 new documents strengthening cooperation between the participating countries. Kazakhstan initiated the Organization's development strategy until 2035, aimed at forming a continental belt of Eurasian economy, trade, transport and logistics connections. The main event of the chairmanship was the Astana Summit, which was held for the first time in the "SCO Plus" format. The main achievement of the CICA chairmanship was the transition to a new stage of institutional development. Within the framework of the transformation roadmap, the Charter and Rules of Procedure were developed, the Catalog of Confidence-Building Measures was updated, the Council of Wise Men, the Forum of Think Tanks and the CICA Fund were established. Kazakhstan took the initiative to digitize the interaction of the participating countries and launched a platform for the exchange of data and analytical materials. The chairmanship of the Organization of Turkic States was marked by the launch of the large-scale program "TURKTIME!", as well as contributing to the strengthening of cultural and economic integration. Within the framework of this initiative of the Head of State, projects in the field of education, scientific research and entrepreneurship were implemented. A mechanism of permanent representatives was established, state symbols were unified, and an Investment Fund was created to support strategic projects. The significant increase in mutual trade between the participating countries, which exceeded 45 billion US dollars, indicates the growth of economic cooperation.

During its chairmanship of the CSTO, Kazakhstan focused on promoting initiatives to counter such pressing threats as cross-border crime, terrorism and illicit drug trafficking. More than 80 events were held, including meetings of heads of state, thematic round tables and military exercises. Special attention was paid to completing the 10-year work on the Tajik-Afghan border strengthening program.

The efforts of the Kazakhstani chairmanship in the International Aral Sea Saving Fund (2024-2026) are focused on completing the process of improving the IAF, developing a mutually beneficial mechanism for managing the region's water and energy resources, ensuring the timely and high-quality implementation of environmental programs, and taking coordinated measures to overcome the consequences of climate change.

As part of Kazakhstan's water diplomacy, about 35 meetings on transboundary rivers were held with China, Russia, and Central Asian countries in 2024. Agreements were reached with Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan on water withdrawals through the Shu, Talas, and Syrdarya transboundary rivers. Negotiations are underway with China on more than 20 rivers, including the Irtysh and Ili. The country's accession to the UN Convention on the Law of Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses was an important step.

2024 was a breakthrough year in terms of strengthening multifaceted cooperation with the states of Central Asia. The program article of the Head of State "Renaissance of Central Asia: Towards Sustainable Development and Prosperity" set the format of fraternal relations, good-neighborliness and strategic partnership in the region.

It was important to hold the 6th session of the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of Central Asian States with the participation of the President of Azerbaijan, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for the Central Asian Region, and the Head of the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia. Following the summit, the "OA-2040" Regional Cooperation Development Concept, the Regional Cooperation Roadmap for 2025-2027, and the Action Plan for the Development of Industrial Cooperation for 2025-2027 were signed.

In addition, Kazakhstan continues to play an important role in international diplomacy, acting as a mediator in conflict resolution. Within the framework of the Astana process, we have provided a platform for negotiations on the Syrian crisis. Kazakhstan unites the main participants and contributes to the achievement of compromise solutions. The country also proposed the creation of an international mediation center for resolving regional conflicts, which will be an important step in the development of preventive diplomacy mechanisms.

Kazakhstan demonstrates a high degree of integration into world politics. Our country is an initiator of large regional projects in the fields of energy, transport, trade, and digital technologies. The development of the Trans-Caspian international transport route, cooperation within the framework of the “One Belt, One Road” project, and active participation in the Eurasian Economic Union confirm the country’s commitment to strengthening global economic ties. The introduction of green technologies and programs for decarbonizing the economy have become an important part of Kazakhstan’s international agenda. An important aspect has been the expansion of cooperation in the field of sustainable development and energy with the European Union and the Middle East.

Kazakhstan continues to pursue a peace-oriented foreign policy. The country makes a significant contribution to ensuring security, sustainable development, and prosperity in the Eurasian space. Expanding participation in global initiatives of the UN, WTO, and other international organizations, developing strategic partnerships with leading powers, and deepening economic diplomacy remain the main priorities of the country’s foreign policy.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa/press/news/details/941854